What term defines the size of a particle that a stream can carry?

• A. Competence
• B. Stream velocity
• C. Stream capacity
• D. Streamload

Answer: (A)

The term that defines the size of a particle that a stream can carry is competence. Competence specifically refers to the maximum size of particles that a stream can transport, which is influenced by factors such as the stream's velocity and the energy it has. As a stream flows faster, it is capable of carrying larger particles due to the increased energy available to overcome the gravitational forces acting on those particles. This concept is fundamental in understanding sediment transport and river dynamics.

While stream capacity relates to the total amount of sediment a stream can carry at a given time, it does not specifically address the size of the particles. Stream velocity pertains to the speed of the water flow, and streamload refers more broadly to the total mass of sediments being carried by the stream, not the maximum particle size. Thus, competence is the most accurate term when describing the size of particles a stream can carry.